Seanad debates
Wednesday, 18 December 2002
Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage.
Many other issues were discussed, including housing. I appreciate housing is not my portfolio but it is an issue which reflects poverty and on people who cannot achieve. There are key targets under the NAPS which we hope to achieve in supporting those who are unfit to provide accommodation for themselves. In that regard, the Department provides through the SWA, the rent supplement scheme, which has not been changed since 1994. It has been increased this year to 10% of the basic payment, which is €12. That is the minimum contribution because it has been capped. Different health boards have different caps according to the amount of rent the health board sets as reasonable. There will be no change next year because the maximum rents will apply. However, the reality is that rents have decreased. One of my concerns in regard to the SWA and rent supplement is that if one looks at the cohort of people in receipt of it, the majority of them are not families but single people.
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